[WATCH]- Ben Stokes Reacts With A Witty Quip To Toss Controversy In 2nd ENG vs IND Test 2025

England captain Ben Stokes offered a humorous response during the pre-match press conference ahead of the third Test against India at Lord’s. Addressing the criticism surrounding his decision to bowl first in the previous Test at Edgbaston, Stokes quipped that he isn’t from the Meteorological Department.

Just like in the first Test at Headingley, Stokes chose to field first in the second Test as well. While the tactic worked in Leeds—where England secured a win—it backfired at Edgbaston. India made full use of favorable batting conditions, amassing a massive first-innings total of 587, which eventually led to a crushing 336-run victory.

When asked about his preference to bowl first, Stokes dismissed the claim, citing Edgbaston’s overcast conditions. He added that with hot weather forecasted at Lord’s, teams are likely to bat first. He said:

“Well, no. We’re not stuck in our ways about these things, just to make it clear. It’s something that’s been built up. We bowled first at Edgbaston because, you know, decent overhead conditions. But that soon disappeared. Clouds broke out. Yeah, I’m not MET office.”

“I can’t tell what’s going to happen later in the day after 10:30. Lord’s is meant to be really, really hot this week. If that’s the case where the sun is out, blazing tomorrow, whoever wins the toss, is going to end up doing the same thing.”

From cloudy skies in Edgbaston to expected heat at Lord’s — Ben Stokes opens up on adapting strategies to changing English conditions. ☁🌞
Bowling first at Edgbaston made sense, but Lords might feel a bit subcontinental, and the plans might just shift. 🎯#ENGvIND 👉 3rd TEST… pic.twitter.com/H9XPjDw0Ny

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 9, 2025

All Eyes On Ben Stokes’ Batting As England Aim For Redemption After Edgbaston Loss

While Ben Stokes has been fairly effective with the ball, his struggles with the bat have become a major talking point ahead of the third Test. The England captain hasn’t scored a Test century since July 2023. Since his remarkable 155 against Australia at Lord’s, he has managed only seven half-centuries, with the most recent coming against New Zealand in November 2024.

In the ongoing series against India, Stokes has posted scores of 20, 33, 0, and 33. With England needing a strong comeback to stay alive in the series, a big knock from their skipper at Lord’s is crucial.

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